U.S. patent number 4,314,598 [Application Number 05/848,892] was granted by the patent office on 1982-02-09 for integral window units.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Roesch Trust. Invention is credited to Edgar B. Roesch.
United States Patent |
4,314,598 |
Roesch |
February 9, 1982 |
Integral window units
Abstract
An integral window unit comprising a sill member, a header
member and a pair of jamb members interconnected to form a
generally rectangular window frame. The jamb members have first and
second pairs of track means each pair of which slideably receives a
prime window sash and third and fourth pairs of track means each
pair of which slideably receives a storm window sash. The distance
between the track members in the first pair is greater than the
distance between the track members in the second pair which in turn
is greater than the distance between the third pair which is
greater than the distance between the fourth pair. At least one
pair of track means is in overlapping relationship with the
adjacent pair of track means. A thermal barrier is provided in the
window frame between the second and third pair of track members to
minimize heat loss therethrough and a fifth pair of track means is
provided adjacent the thermal barrier for slideably receiving a
screen member.
Inventors: |
Roesch; Edgar B. (Pennington,
NJ) |
Assignee: |
The Roesch Trust (Bristol,
PA)
|
Family
ID: |
27111293 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/848,892 |
Filed: |
November 7, 1977 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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726265 |
Sep 24, 1976 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/90; 49/DIG.1;
160/92; 49/63; 160/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
3/44 (20130101); E06B 3/5063 (20130101); E06B
2003/4492 (20130101); E06B 2003/4453 (20130101); Y10S
49/01 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
3/32 (20060101); E06B 3/44 (20060101); E06B
003/32 (); A47H 001/00 (); E05B 065/04 (); E05C
007/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;160/90-92
;49/63,181,421,DIG.1,428,414,445 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Husar; C. J.
Assistant Examiner: Lieberman; C. S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Logan, Jr.; John W.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 726,265, filed
Sept. 24, 1976, now abandoned.
Claims
I claim:
1. An integral window unit comprising a sill member, a header
member and a pair of jamb members interconnected to form a
generally rectangular window frame, first, second, third and fourth
pairs of track means, one track means in each pair being located in
one of said jamb members so that the first and second pair of track
means each slideably receive a prime window sash and so that the
third and fourth pair of track means each slideably receive a storm
window sash, each track means in a pair being offset from the track
means in an adjacent pair whereby removal of said window sashes is
facilitated, each track means in said first and said second pairs
of track means including an outer wall portion and first and second
spaced-apart inner wall portions extending parallel to the depth of
said jamb members, each track means in said first pair of track
means further including a first short wall portion spaced from said
second track means and a second short wall portion adjacent said
second track means, each track means in said second pair of track
means including a third short wall portion adjacent said first
track means and a fourth short wall portion spaced from said first
track means, said short wall portions extending transverse to said
inner and outer wall portions whereby said each track means in said
first and second pair of track means is generally rectangular in
cross-section, said outer wall portion in each track means in said
second pair of track means lying in a common plane with the
adjacent inner wall portion of said first pair of track means, said
third short wall portion being closer to said first short wall
portion than is said second wall portion and said second wall
portion being closer to said fourth wall portion than is said third
wall portion whereby said first pair of track means is in
overlapping relationship with said second pair of track means along
the depth of said jamb members.
2. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
distance between the track means in each pair of track means
progressively decreases from the first pair to the fourth pair.
3. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
track means in said first pair are spaced farther apart than said
track means in said second pair which are spaced farther apart than
said track means in said third pair which are spaced farther apart
than said track means in said fourth pair.
4. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 1 including a
fifth pair of track means intermediate said second and third pair
of track means, each track means in said fifth pair being located
in a different jamb member so that said fifth pair of track means
slideably receives a screen member.
5. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 1 including a
relatively rigid thermal barrier extending about said window frame
between said second and third pair of track means.
6. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 5 including a
fifth pair of track means inwardly adjacent said thermal barrier,
each track means in said fifth pair being located in a different
jamb member so that said fifth pair of track means slideably
receives a screen member.
7. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 6 wherein said
each track means in said fifth pair is made of a material also
acting as a thermal barrier.
8. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 4 wherein each
of said track means in said fifth pair comprises a generally
U-shaped member including a cross-leg member, said cross leg
members facing each other and being spaced apart by a distance
greater than the width of said screen member, one frame member of
said screen member extending parallel to said U-shaped members
carrying spring means bearing against one of said cross-leg members
when said screen member is received in said fifth pair of track
means and being movable to a position wherein said one frame member
is closely adjacent said one of said cross-leg members to enable
said screen member to be pivoted and removed from said window
frame.
9. An integral window unit in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
prime window sashes include pin members at their lower ends
projecting into said first and second pair of track means and being
receivable in slide members, said prime window sashes also
including guide members at their upper ends also projecting into
said first and second pair of track means, said slide member
including rotatable portions in which said pin members are received
and said guide members being movable to a position out of said
track means whereby said prime windows can be pivoted about an axis
at their lower ends when said guide members are moved out of track
means.
10. An integral window unit comprising a sill member, a header
member and a pair of jamb members interconnected to form a
generally rectangular window frame, first, second, third and fourth
pairs of track means, one track means in each pair being located in
one of said jamb members so that the first and second pair of track
means each slideably receive a prime window sash and so that the
third and fourth pair of track means each slideably receive a storm
window sash, each track means in a pair being offset from the track
means in an adjacent pair, each track means in said first and
second pair of track means being generally rectangular in
cross-section and each track means in said first pair being in
overlapping relationship with the adjacent track means in said
second pair, a relatively rigid thermal barrier extending about
said window sash between said second and third pair of track means,
and a fifth pair of track means inwardly and directly adjacent said
thermal barrier, each track means in said fifth pair being located
in a different jamb member so that said fifth pair of track means
slideably receive a screen member, each of said track means in said
fifth pair being made of a material acting as a thermal barrier.
Description
This invention relates to window frames and more particularly to an
integral window frame arranged to receive both prime and storm
windows and also a screen member so that a complete window is
provided.
In the building industry it is usual to install storm windows in
addition to the usual prime windows to provide additional
insulation and cut heat loss through the window openings. When
installing new window units it is usual to first install the prime
window frame and sashes and if, as is common, the window unit is
made of metal, to secure a thermal barrier around the periphery of
the outer surface of the prime window frame. Afterwards, the storm
window frame and sashes are secured to the prime frame such that
the thermal barrier is located between the prime and storm window
frames. In this way, a direct heat conductive path is eliminated.
As should be clear, the above-explained approach is relatively
expensive requiring the expense of manufacturing two distinct
window units and the expense of installing two distinct window
units plus a thermal barrier in each window opening. The use of two
distinct window units and the attendant expense is necessitated
because of space limitations imposed by the window opening on the
depth of a window frame. The depth of a conventional window frame
is on the order of about three and one-quarter (31/4) inches and it
has not been feasible to provide the four pairs of tracks and four
window sashes, two prime sashes and two storm sashes, within the
narrow depth of conventional window frames.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an
integral window unit including both prime and storm window
assemblies.
It is another object of this invention to provide an integral
window frame made of metal and including a relatively rigid thermal
barrier between a prime window track portion and a storm window
track portion.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an integral
window unit including both prime and storm window assemblies and a
screen member within a window frame having a relatively narrow
depth.
Finally, it is an object of this invention to provide an integral
storm and prime window unit that is economical and easy to
install.
These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by
providing a sill member, a header member and a pair of jamb members
interconnected to provide a generally rectangular window frame.
Also provided are first, second, third and fourth pairs of track
means, each track means in a pair being formed in a different jamb
member so that the first and second pair each slideably receive a
prime window sash and so that the third and fourth pair each
slideably receive a storm window sash. Each track means in a pair
is offset from the track means in an adjacent pair.
More particularly, the track means are arranged so that the track
means in the first pair are spaced farther apart than the track
means in the second pair which are spaced farther apart than the
track means in the third pair which are spaced farther apart than
the track means in the fourth pair. At least some of the track
members in adjacent pairs including a wall extending along the
depth of the jamb member and being in overlapping relationship. In
addition, a fifth pair of track means is located intermediate the
second and third track means and inwardly adjacent a thermal
barrier extending around said window frame also located
intermediate the second and third pair of track means. Each track
means in the fifth pair is in a different jamb member so that the
fifth pair slideably receives a screen member.
Counterbalance spring means are provided for the prime window
sashes and all of the window sashes and the screen member are all
arranged to be removable.
For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to
the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken
in conjunction with the figures of the accompanying drawing, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window unit in accordance with
this invention;
FIG. 2 is a generally vertical section view of the window unit
illustrated in FIG. 1 and taken generally along the line 2--2
thereof;
FIG. 3 is a generally horizontal sectional view of the window unit
illustrated in FIG. 1 and taken generally along the line 3--3
thereof;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the window
illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating a counterbalance means
which can be utilized with the prime windows in accordance with
this invention;
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a screen that can be utilized
in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a guide member utilized with the
prime windows in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a sash lock utilized with the
prime windows in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the guide means shown in
FIG. 7 assembled to a prime window;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a latch means utilized with the
storm windows in accordance with this invention; and,
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a window lock that can be utilized
in accordance with this invention.
Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated an integral
window unit 10 in accordance with this invention. Included in the
window unit is a window frame including a sill 12, a header 14 and
a pair of jambs 16,16 rigidly interconnected to form a generally
rectangular window frame. All of these noted components in the
frame are made of extruded aluminum or similar material. The window
frame is arranged to carry upper and lower prime window sashes 20
and 22, respectively, upper and lower storm window sashes 24 and
26, respectively, and a screen member 28. The window sashes are
arranged as will be explained hereinafter, such that the prime
window sashes 20 and 22 and the storm window sashes 24 and 26 are
adjacent each other in face-to-face relationship to provide an
insulating air space. Between the prime window sashes and storm
window sashes the frame is provided with a thermal barrier 30 which
obviates a heat conducting path through the window frame. The
thermal barrier 30 is preferably an epoxy resin which may include
reinforcing fiberglass or may be any other suitable thermal
insulating material. In addition the material comprising the
thermal barrier 30 is relatively rigid so that the sill 12, header
14 and jambs 16 and 18 can be made in accordance with the Nilsen
U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,324, that is, the various components of the
frame can be extruded with a suitable interlocking channel-like
configuration 32 with a spanning wall extending across the channel.
The channel includes interlocking fingers 34 and is filled with the
epoxy resin material which is in a liquid form. After the resin
hardens, the spanning wall is removed by a cutting technique so
that metal-to-metal contact across the channel is avoided, but the
frame is an integral relatively rigid configuration.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 2 of the drawing, the sill 12 is
clearly illustrated in cross-section and can be seen to include an
inclined base portion 36 and a plurality of stiffening ribs 38
extending downwardly from the base portion. Extending upwardly from
the base portion 36 at the inner end thereof is an upstanding guide
member 40 which is used to guide the lower prime window sash 22
into position on the sill when that window sash is closed. The
guide member 40 extends across the sill member 12 and includes a
channel configuration 42 in which a strip of felt 44, plastic or
similar material is located to prevent metal-to-metal contact with
the sash and to act as a weatherstrip. At the outer end of the sill
member 12 and extending thereacross is another guide member 46 and
spaced inwardly therefrom is another pair of guide members 48,48.
The guide members 46 and the adjacent guide member 48 guide the
upper storm window sash 24 when it is lowered and the guide members
48,48 function to guide the lower storm window sash 26 when it is
lowered. The thermal barrier 30, channel 32 and interlocking
fingers 34 are clearly illustrated.
Still referring to FIG. 2 of the drawing, the header 14 can be seen
to include a generally flat base portion 50 which provides the
upper stop surface for the upper prime sash 20 and the upper storm
sash 24 when those sashes are in their closed position and the
lower storm sash 26 when it is in its open position. Projecting
downwardly from the base portion are stiffening members 52 located
at the ends of the base portion and three guide members 54 located
intermediate the stiffening members 52. The outermost stiffening
member 52 and the adjacent guide member 54 guides the upper storm
sash 24 as it moves to its closed position and the storm sash 24
carries a strip of felt 58, plastic or similar material to prevent
metal-to-metal contact and to function as a weatherstrip. When the
lower storm sash 26 is raised, of course, it is guided by the
outermost guide member 54. The innermost pair of guide members
54,54 guide the upper prime window sash 20 when it is in its closed
position and adjacent surfaces of the innermost pair of guide
members 54,54 also have felt, plastic or similar strips 58,58
preventing metal-to-metal contact and acting as a weatherstrip.
Extending upwardly from each of the stiffening members 52,52 are
tapered guide members 60,60 which are received in a U-shaped
expander 62. The thermal barrier 30, channel 32 and interlocking
fingers 34 formed on the header can be seen and can also be seen on
the expander 62.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, the jambs 16,16 are clearly
illustrated in cross-section as is the arrangement in accordance
with this invention for locating both prime windows and the storm
windows and a screen member in the relatively shallow depth of the
window opening. Formed in the jambs 16,16 are first, second, third
and fourth pairs of track means 64,66 and 68 and 70, respectively.
One track means in each pair is located in a different jamb 16 and
are otherwise so arranged that the first pair 64 slideably receives
the lower prime sash 22, the second pair 66 slideably receives the
upper prime sash 20, the third pair 68 receives the lower storm
sash 26 and the fourth pair 70 receives the upper storm sash 24.
Each of the track means in an adjacent pair are spaced apart along
the depth of the jambs 16,16, that is, along the distance from the
inner end to the outer end, so that the first pair 64 are located
at the inner end, the second pair 66 is outwardly adjacent the
first pair 64, but are relatively close thereto so that when the
prime sashes 20,22 are closed, they are in abutting relationship as
shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing. The fourth pair 70 are adjacent the
outer end of the jambs and the third pair 68 is inwardly adjacent
the fourth pair and, of course, outwardly adjacent the second pair
66. The third pair 68 and the fourth pair 70 are relatively close
to each other so that when the storm sashes 24 and 26 are closed,
they too are in abutting relationship as shown in FIG. 2 of the
drawing. Still referring to FIG. 2 of the drawing it can be seen
that when the sashes 20, 22, 24 and 26 are closed the abutting
relationship is by means of an interlocking finger configuration
71. Referring back to FIG. 3 of the drawing it can be seen that the
thermal barrier 30, channel 32 and interlocking fingers 34 are
located between the second pair 66 and third pair 68 of track means
so that a continuous heat conductive path is not provided between
the prime and storm window portions of the window.
As clearly seen in FIG. 3 of the drawing each track means in a pair
is offset from the track means in an adjacent pair so that the
prime and storm windows fit in the relatively small depth of the
jambs 16,16. Preferably, the distance between the track means in
each pair decreases from the first pair 64 to the fourth pair 70
and wherein the track means in one pair are in overlapping
relationship with the track means in an adjacent pair along the
depth of the jambs 16,16. Thus, the distance between track means
64,64 is greater than the distance between track means 66,66 which
distance is greater than the distance between track means 68,68
which distance is greater than the distance between track means
70,70. Accordingly, the width of the sashes progressively decreases
from the inner to the outer end of the jambs. In addition to aiding
in fitting the track means and sashes in the relatively narrow
depth of the jambs 16,16, the progressive decrease in the width of
the sashes allows the sashes to be so arranged that they can be
pivoted downwardly and inwardly, as illustrated by the position of
sash 22 in FIG. 4 of the drawing. Such pivotal movement facilitates
cleaning the glass carried in the sashes.
Each of the track means in a pair is of the same general
configuration and each is generally rectangular in cross-section
with an opening to form guide channels. Thus, the track means 64,64
each includes an outer wall portion 72 extending parallel to or
along the depth of the jamb 16, a pair of shorter wall portions
74,74 extending parallel to the sill 12 and header 14 and a pair of
short inner walls 76,76 projecting toward each other to form an
opening 78 in which guide members on the lower prime sash 22 are
received as will be fully explained hereinafter. Similarly, the
track means 66,66 each includes an outer wall portion 80 extending
parallel to or along the depth of the jamb 16. The wall portion 80
extends from the adjacent short wall 76 on the adjacent track means
64. Also included are a pair of shorter wall portions 82,82
extending parallel to the sill 12 and header 14 and another pair of
short inner wall portions 84,84 extending toward each other to form
an opening 86 in which guide members on the upper prime sash 20 are
received. The short wall 82 adjacent the track means 64 is located
inwardly of the short wall portion 74 adjacent the track means 66
so that the track means 64 and 66 are in slight overlapping
relationship. With this overlapping arrangement of the track means
64 and 66 the four pairs of track means 64, 66, 68 and 70 can be
accomodated in the small depth of the jambs 16,16.
The track means 68 and 70 are formed with a common wall 88
extending along the depth of the jambs 16. From the wall 88 there
extends a short wall 90, a longer wall 92, and a still longer wall
94, all of these wall extend parallel to the sill 12 and header 14.
A short wall 96 extends from the end of the wall 92 toward the wall
94. Accordingly a guide channel is formed between walls 90 and 92
for guide members on the lower storm sash 26 and also between walls
92 and 94 for guide members on the upper storm sash 24.
The channels 32 for the thermal barrier 30 are formed on the
outside of track means 64 and 66 as clearly illustrated in FIG. 3
of the drawing. Inwardly adjacent the channels 32 is a fifth pair
of track members 100 for the screen member 28. Each of the track
means 100 is a generally U-shaped vinyl member comprising a back
wall 101 and a pair of parallel walls 103 carried between wall 90
of the third pair of track means 68 and adjacent wall 82 of the
second pair of track means 66. The distance between each of the
track means in the fifth pair 100 is greater than the distance
between the track means 68, but less than that between track means
66 so that the screen member 28 can be inserted and removed from
the window unit.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 6 of the drawing it can be
seen that the screen member 28 includes a generally rectangular
frame 102 in which a mesh screen 104 is carried. The width of the
frame 102 is slightly less than the distance between back walls 101
of the U-shaped members so that while the screen member 28 is
slideably carried between the track means it is shiftable to a
position wherein one vertical frame member bears against the back
wall 101 of one of the U-shaped members and the other vertical
frame member is not seated between the parallel walls 103 of the
other U-shaped member. Thus the screen member 28 can be pivoted
about a vertical axis and removed. To keep the screen member 28 in
the U-shaped members, one vertical frame member carries a plurality
of bowed leaf springs 106,106 which bias the screen member into
position therein, but which are slideably mounted whereby they can
be compressed when a force is applied to the screen member 28 to
move it to the position noted above permitting its removal.
Installation of the screen member 28 is accomplished by inserting
the vertical frame member with the springs 106,106 into a U-shaped
member, and exerting a force so that the inserted vertical frame
member compresses the springs 106,106 and bears against the back
wall 101. The screen member 28 is now pivoted until the other
vertical frame member is aligned with the other U-shaped member and
the force is released allowing the spring members 106,106 to bias
the screen member into position. The screen member 28 can be
provided with suitable plastic handles 108,108 to facilitate
sliding it in the track means 100 and also with a rubber flap 110,
as best seen in FIG. 4 of the drawing, which keeps insects from
passing into the building when the lower prime sash 24 is open and
the screen member is closed.
Each of the prime sashes 20 and 22 are provided with mounting
arrangements and such mounting arrangements are provided at each
side of each sash. Accordingly only one mounting arrangement will
be described it being understood that all arrangements are exactly
the same. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower end of the prime
sash includes a guide pin member 112 projecting into the opening 78
formed in the track means 64 and the pin member is received in a
slider member 114. The slider member 114 is preferably a nylon
member fitting into the guide channels formed by the wall portions
72,72, 74 and 76,76. Adjacent its lower end the slider member 114
includes a rotatable plug 116 having an opening in which the guide
pin member 112 is received to provide the pivoting motion explained
previously. The top of the slider member 114 is connected to a
spiral rod 118 received in a spring housing 120 of a conventional
spiral balance means which acts as a counterbalance for the sash.
As is conventional sliding movement of the lower prime sash 22
moves the slider members 114, in turn, moving the spiral rod 118
and actuating a spring member in the housing 120.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawing a sash lock member 122
used at each side of the sash member 22 and at the upper end
thereof is illustrated. The sash lock member 122 includes a
generally L-shaped body member adapted to fit on the corner of the
sash. Slideably carried through the body member is a finger 124
which is normally urged by a spring 126 into the guide channel
formed by the wall portion 72, 74,74, 76 and 76. When so arranged
within the guide channel the sash is retained for sliding movement;
by retracting the finger 124 by pushing against the spring 126, the
sash can be pivoted to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 of the
drawing.
Each of the storm sashes 24 and 26 are provided with generally
conventional mounting arrangements and such mounting arrangements
are provided at each side of each sash. Accordingly, only one
mounting arrangement will be described it being understood that all
arrangements are exactly the same. Referring to FIG. 10 of the
drawing the mounting arrangement on one side of the upper storm
sash 24 is shown and includes a spring loaded guide finger 128 at
the bottom of the sash which is normally in the guide channel of
track means 70. By exerting a force on the gripping portion 130,
the finger member 128 is withdrawn from the guide channel so that
the upper storm sash 24 can be pivoted about the fixed guide finger
132 at the top of the sash to remove the sash or clean the
window.
At this point it is noted that all of the sashes are generally
conventional and the prime window sashes include a lock means
including a lip 134 formed at the bottom of the upper prime sash 20
and a pivoted cam member 136 on the lower prime sash 33. When the
cam member 136 is pivoted into position under the lip 134, the
prime sashes are locked against movement. In addition, the track
means 64, 64 include a plastic stop member 138 at its top end and
the track means 66,66 include a similar plastic stop member 140 at
its lower end. The stop members 138 and 140 act to limit the
movement of the prime sashes 22 and 20, respectively.
While in the foregoing there has been described a preferred
embodiment of the invention it should be understood that various
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the appended
claims.
* * * * *